CHAPTER 9 – Social Suggestion

Chapter 9 of “Worldly Ways and Byways” titled “Social Suggestion” delves into the subtle yet profound influence of social contexts and company on individual tastes, opinions, and behaviors. It opens with a contemplation of how unseen forces shape our perceptions of success and failure, extending this inquiry to the realms of entertainment, art, and fashion. The chapter illustrates through anecdotal evidence how one’s environment and companions can dramatically sway one’s appreciation for a theater piece or a work of art. It challenges the reader to consider the extent to which personal opinions are genuinely self-formed versus being the product of social suggestion.

Instances are provided where shared enthusiasm among a group can elevate the perceived quality of a performance, only for this illusion to shatter upon subsequent viewings under different circumstances. This phenomenon is further exemplified in the art world, where collective admiration for certain styles or periods, such as the Italian Renaissance, may be more about social conformity than genuine personal appreciation. The chapter argues that admiration for particular trends, from painting to fashion, often reflects the prevailing social narrative rather than individual critical evaluation.

The transient nature of social fascinations is highlighted through the whims of fashion, where what is deemed stylish one day becomes an object of ridicule the next, showing the capriciousness of collective taste. This extends to leisure activities as well, where games like tennis or golf surge in popularity, not necessarily due to their intrinsic merits, but because they become the current social vogue, suggesting people are more followers of trends than they might like to admit.

“Social Suggestion” captures a critique of how societal influences can overpower individual judgment, leading to a herd mentality in areas ranging from artistic appreciation to the adoption of hobbies. It calls into question the authenticity of our preferences and challenges the reader to discern between what is truly a personal liking and what is merely a reflection of social endorsement. The chapter closes with a reflection on the pervasive yet often unnoticed power of social influence, urging a more discerning and self-aware approach to forming opinions and tastes.